02/03/2026
A Little Note From Me
Hola 🤍
From this side of the screen, it’s me — Sharon, your local travel chef.
I hope this first month of 2026 has been kind to you.
And if you were in Dallas over the past couple of weeks, I truly hope you and your loved ones stayed safe and warm during the winter days.
I wanted to reach out personally to share an update on what I’m currently offering — because I know some of you may be wondering:
“Is she still a chef?”
“Is she traveling full-time now?”
“How do food and travel fit together?”
Let me clarify 💛
Yes — I’m still your Chef.
And now, also your Travel Advisor.
A little over a year ago, I became a certified Independent Travel Advisor
(the modern name for a travel agent).
This means I now help clients plan and book:
Hotels & resorts
Family vacations & group trips
Cruises
Restaurant reservations
Local experiences & activities
Full, personalized itineraries
Think of it as a 1:1 concierge for your trips, designed so you can relax and enjoy — instead of spending hours planning.
At the same time, my chef services
are still very much active.
I continue to book:
Private dinners & celebrations
Meal prep services
In-home culinary experiences
My calendar is open for incoming events, and I love helping families balance busy weeks by taking care of meals and leaving the fridge stocked
with nourishing food.
Why combine food and travel?
Because hosting is at the center of everything I do.
Travel planning can be overwhelming — and the whole point of traveling is to enjoy the destination without stress or missing what truly matters.
I now offer 1:1 booking services at no extra cost when you book hotels, resorts, or cruises through me.
The properties compensate me directly, and in return you often receive:
Preferred rates
Added perks
Upgraded experiences
A real human advocating for your trip
Where food and travel meet:
My Retreats
In October 2025, I hosted my first Culinary & Wellness Retreat in Puglia, Italy, welcoming a small group for an all-inclusive experience centered on:
Cooking classes & tastings
Winery visits during vendimia
Dinner cooked by me
Local food experiences
Wellness activities (yoga & sound bath)
That experience confirmed what I already felt — this intersection of food, travel, and hosting is exactly where I belong.
What’s coming in 2026
I’ve launched my website and shared upcoming experiences, including:
Japan – Autumn Culinary Retreat (https://www.thechefstay.com/product/japan-in-october/ABTCBUZRLQDN6MG6RR6PQDLC?cs=true&cst=custom)
A destination that, for chefs, is a true culinary oasis — textures, ingredients, ancient techniques, and deep food culture.
Oaxaca, Mexico – Día de los Mu***os (https://www.thechefstay.com/product/d-a-de-los-muertos-oaxaca-mx/JT3HSZDB7L5KYQS3M24QPJ2Y?cs=true&cst=custom)
A small group experience honoring regional food, ancestral traditions, and cultural celebrations with deep respect.
Group trips available year-round
For groups of 6+ (friends, family, coworkers, or corporate retreats).
Rome – Family-Friendly Retreat (https://www.thechefstay.com/product/roma-family-package-/7UNBTRXSX4PNY23APW6SWZ3N?cs=true&cst=custom)
Created from my perspective as a mom.
This experience is designed so adults and kids can enjoy Rome together — no long lines, daily gelato for kids, interactive cooking classes, educational tours, and accommodations that truly work for families.
Why I’m sharing this with you?
I wanted to send this note personally to you — someone who has trusted me in your home and at your table — to share how my work has evolved and what I’m building this year.
You can explore everything in a clear and simple way on my website:
THECHEFSTAY.COM
If something speaks to you, I would be honored to host you again — whether for a meal, a trip, or an experience abroad.
And if it’s not your moment right now, that’s okay too 🤍
If you feel called to share this with friends, family, or your workplace, I would deeply appreciate it.
As a self-employed entrepreneur, word-of-mouth is everything.
Thank you for reading, for your past support, and for being here.
With gratitude,
Sharon
Click here for an update from Chef Sharon Payot!
